Coin-operated vending machine



Aug. 9, 1927. 1 ,638,413

E. SCHULTZ COIN OPERATED VENDING MACHINE Fil ed Dec. 6. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 9, 1927;

E. SCHULTZ COI-N OPERATED VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 6, 1924 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 1,638,413 1927- E. SCHULTZ COIN OPERATED VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 6, 1924 '3 sneots-sfieew gle paper or other article,

' present machine Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

UNITED. STATES EDWARD sonur'rz, OF CHICAGO,

ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORTO (MRSJ E. A. LAUGHERY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

COIN-OPERATED VENDING MACH N Application filed December 6, 1924. Serial No. 754,249.

This invention relates to a coin operated vending machine adapted to dispense newspapers, periodicals, or other selected commodities.

For its objects this invention aimsto provide a mechanism whichwill dispense a sinonly after the insertion of one or more coins totalling not less than a. predetermined number and value; and a mechanism which may be readily adjusted to operate with coins of-diiferent denominations, or with coins whosetotal number or value varies in accordance-with a desired plan. In addition the partsof the are so constructed and assembled as to be practically foolproof; are securely protected'against tampering, and are safeguarded against effects of the weather should the device be placed. out in the open; and, furthermore, they are formed and arranged in a sim'ple and durable manner to promote certainty in operation as well '7-7 of Fig.5. a

as economy in manufacture. v

Numerous other objects as well are 1 also contemplated in this invention, many of which will hereinafter appear from thespecification and claims.

T he drawings. 7

A machinein which the present improvements are incorporated is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in the manner following: s

Figure l is a front elevation showlng through a broken away. portion of the front wall the principal operating parts of the coin mechanism interiorlyof the container;

FigsWQ and 3 are transverse sections therethrough taken, respectively, on lines 2 2 and 3-3 of Fig. 1;

is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing Fig. 5 which is a viewsiinilar to Fig. 1, shows a slightly modified construction of certain of the'mechanism parts; v

6 isa transverse section therethrou'gh on-line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and I v Fig. 7 is a detail in section taken on llne Generalassembl Preliminary tov an exposition. of the mechanism that is novel to this invention, it may be mentioned that itsuse is contem-' plated 'n connection with suitable eonpreference, a plate-like tainer within which are housed the articles to be dispensed, as well as the mechanism-by which the dispensing operations are accom-- plished. This mechanism is a partition plate which is removably posi-. tioned within the container, the articles to be dispensed lying at one side of the plate and the mechanism on the reverse side thereof. Formed in the plate are suitable vertical slots through which pins may be projected for engagement. with the proximate article on'the'opposite side of the plate, these} pins belng carried by a rock shaft which ismounted upon a vertically movable carriage whose'function it is to elevate the articlesafter the pins havebeen engaged therewith. Through a suitable slot formed in the upper end of the container the dispensable articles are projectedtherefrom a suflicient distance to be grasped by the hand. The elevation of the carriage may be accomplished by some such means as a chain having one end extended exteriorly of the container so as to be grasped by the purchaser. A container answering generally to the above description is set forth in my pendingapplication filed December 6, 1924, as Serial No. 754,250, but inasmuch as this invention is concerned primarily witha coin mechanism by which the dispensing operations are governed, a further detailed descr ption of the container parts is thought to be unnecessary;

The carriage.

ends being suitably supported as by means mounted upon of a bracket '20 which is also secured to the partition plate. Mounted to slide upon these rods 1s acarriage 21. having, by bodywhose opposite ends. are provided with eyesv 22'Ywhich slidingly engage the guide rods. Bumpers or. cushion blocks 23' may be arranged adja? shown- -cent the opposite ends ofthe guide'iods, as

The carriage is further formed to provide bearings in which is mounted a rock shaft 24 which carries a plurality of article-engaging pins 25 each adapted for projection through slots 26 that are formed vertically within the partition plate. With movement of the carriage this shaft may be caused to rock in an one of several different ways. For example, in Fig. 1, the rock shaft is shown as provided with a laterally extending pm 27 adapted to be engaged by a second pin 28 which is projected from the partition plate, or some part carried thereby. Vith upward movement of the carriage the inter-engagement of these pins will cause the rock shaft to be moved rotatively a distance sufficient to project the article-engaging pins 25 through the slots 26. A spring 29 in con- 'nection with the rock shaft acts to maintain the latter in a normal position wherein the article-engaging pins are not projected through the partition plate.

An alternative means for moving the reel:

4 shaft is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In association with this means is a vertical brace secured to the partition plate and providlng a wall 30 outstanding therefrom to a point adjacent the rock shaft. Mounted to swing oted arm 31' is a-pin 34 extending laterally from the rock shaft in a manner to engage with the finger 32 when the carriage is raised, whereby the rock shaftis rotated a desired distance for the projection of its article-engaging pins 25 through the vertical slots 26. A stop 35 engageable by the pin 34 cts positively to restore the rock shaft to its initial position'when the carriage has reached the limitcf its descent. Just before arriving in this lowermost position the pin tips over the linger 32, which by preference has a beveled engaging face to facilitate this action, and thereby forces the arm 31 to yield, as necessary, against the tension of its spring 33. Associated with any selected means for rocking the shaft are other means sup-' plementary to the pins 25 for engaging with articles A on the rear side of the partition plate. Such supplementarymeans is adapted to furnish a support beneath the proximate paper periodical, or other commodity, and with elevation of the carriage, to sustain the entire load, if need be, of the article which is to be dispensed. For this purpose, I have shown a strap 36 which may be detachably secured to the carriage, the strap ends being extended past the carriage ends to provide pivotal mountings for two dogs 37, of which only one appears in Figs. 5 and 6. In the plane of each dog is a vertical direction being arrested by a stop 40 which is adjustably mounted on the strap end. lVit-h such an arrangementof parts, the dog will occupy a position beneath the same article A which is being engaged by the pins 25, as the carriage commences its upward travel. On the returnstroke of the carriage movement cycle the dogs swing 1nwardly to slide along the face of the article next to be dispensed, finally moving forward again into operative position when the carriage is in its lowermost position. The advantage which resides in such a construction is that the steps may be so adjusted as to assure to the dogs a proper degree of. movement in relation to the thickness of the articles which are to be dispensed. In fact, if these articles be so light or thin as not to require any such lifting support as is afforded by these dogs, then the entire strap 36 may preferably be removed.

For raising the carriage I may employ a chain 46 connected therewith and extended exteriorly of the container for convenient manipulation. With each upward movement of the carriage the proximate article on the rear side of the partition plate is also elevated and partially ejected from the container through a slot 47 which opens out on the front wall 15 near its upper end. I may also provide a full-stroke mechanism by which the carriage is required to execute a. complete cycle of movement. This may consist of a flange 4L8 laterally extended from the wall 30 and having ratchet teeth 49 adapted to be engaged by a spring-actuated pawl 50 which is mounted on the carriage. By properly relating this pawl to the ratchet teeth with which it co-operates, any initial movement of the carriagewill have to be followed by a full stroke before. the carriage can return to its normal position of rest.

The coin chutes.

61 adjacent the receiving end 56 of the chute.

' A co-operating spring 62 exerts pressure to.

adapted to beprojected through a slot, as

38-, in the partition plate so as to engage. with the proximate article A awaiting dispensation on the rear side thereof. It iscontemplated that some pressure means will be associated with the article supply whereby one of them is always held adjacent the rear. side of the partition plate, from which it follows'that the arm 57 will be maintained in the position shown in 6 as long as any dispensable articles remain within the container. With the exhaustion of the supply,'.however, the arm 57 will be moved in response to. the spring 62 whereby the finger 60 is projected into the receiving end of the chute so as to barthe further passage of coins therein.

The main coin chute is downwardly inclined, and provided with a switch 64: by which coins of difier-ent sizes or denominations are sorted and directed into either of two branch chutes 65 and 66 designed, for e: ;an1ple,to receive nickels and pennies, respectively.

clined lateral extension 67 from whicha depending extension 68 leads to a point of discharge adjacent a coinbox'69 which may be chute The coin setting mechanism.

As already suggested, thepresent machine is. adapted. for operation only after the insertion of one or'inore coins or" the required number and denomination. A means is ac cordin ly provided for setting the illustrated-mechanism to operate (-1) with one to five pennies; with one or two nickels; and (3) with one or two nickels together with one to five pennies, thusadapting the machine, in, the capacity herein shown, to

operate with from one to fifteen cents. A greater range or capacity would require merely-that the parts to be hereinafter described be duplicated, reproportioned, or

further extended, according to; the purpose ln vlew. 1 p

a As best shown in Fig. 1,1 have associated with the nickel chute an adjustable arm 755 connected atone endto' aspringbracket-7 6.

jnstabl'e arm, 75,,

g It willbe noted that the branch, 1 chute 6 5 is )IOVlClQCl with downwardl 1nwhich isv pivotally mounted as at 77 on the partition plate. This arm overlies the extension chute 67 and also a plate 78 which is hinged as at179 to suitable brackets 80 on the partition plate. This hinged plate, which extends in a direction generally parallel to the-two lateral chute extensions and 70, is provided with two. downwardly extending arms 81 and? 82-.which. overlie, respectively, the two; branchchutes and 66. The adhowever, is provided with a rearwardlyextending finger 83 adapted to enter'within any one of several openings 8d formed in the hinged plate at equal radial distancesfrom the pivot pin 7.7. By this means the adjustable arm may be secured in a desired position. 7 v

I provide means also by which the adjustable arm may be manipulated from the rear side of the partition plate. v As shown, this comprises a recessed or inset portion 85 in the'plate body through which is an open slot 86' which't'ollows an arc concentric with the pivot pi1' 77 and a finger 87 extended rearwardly from the adjustable arm through the slotso-asto. be engageable from the rear sideofthe plate. A third'fin'g'er 88also extends rear'wardly from the adjustable arm in such a position asyto'lie in the path of coins traveling through the extension chute 67. The purpose of the adjustable arm, therefore, is to co-operate with the hinged plate so as. to arrest passage of coinsv at one or more desired places in the extension chute 67. V A similar set of parts is provided also for the extension chute 70. As shown, these comprise an adjustable arm 89 connected at its upperend-to a spring bracket 7 6 which is ,pivotally mounted at 77, on the partition plate. The arinfl89 overlies the extension chute 70 andalso the hinged plate 78', being provided with .a rearwardly extending finger 83 adapted toenterinto any one of several openings 90 formed in the hinged plate adjacent .the extension chute 70. Also extendingrearwardly from the adjustable arm 89 is a finger 87 adaptedto extend throughan open slot 91 formed in an inset or recessed wall portionj85 of the partition plate, wherethe adjustable arm 89 may be. moved to different positions fromltherear side of-thel partition plate. Near its lowerEend the adjustable 'arincarries a rearwardly extending finger 88 adapted to lie the path of coins passing through the extension chute 70. The function 'of this adjustable arm 89 is thus seen to be exactly the same as that of the other adjustable arm 75,'each however, being independent of the other so as to cooperate with coins separate extension chutes. Y

* According to "the construction described,

the arm" 7 fi may, be so adjusted as to" hold either a first or second nickel in an operative; p sit on in relation to certain release mechanism which will be presently explained, this position being always at the lower end of the branch chute 65, and not in the extension chute 67 extending laterally therefrom. Likewise the arm 89 may be so. adjusted as to hold any one of five successive pennies in an operative position relative to certain release mechanism which will presently be explained, this position being al ways at the lower end of the branch chute 67, and not in the extension chute 70 extending laterally therefrom. As shown in Fig. 1, it is the first nickel and the second penny which is so held, this being accomplished by setting the two adjustable arms 75 and 89 in the proper positions for this purpose.

The carriage release mechanism.

Associated with the carriage are a plurality of latch bars 97 and 98, one for each branch chute in which coins of a specific denomination are received. Each of these bars is pivoted as at 99 to a bracket which is carried on the partition plate 17, and is provided at its upper end with a laterally extending pin 100 which overlies in spaced relation the proximate arm 81 or '82. At its lower end each latch bar is provided with a forwardly extending foot 101 and in spaced relation thereabove with a shoulder 102. I

also provide means on the carriage for cooperating with each foot and shoulder, and this may conveniently take the form of upper and lower openings 103 and 104 respectively, formed through the body of the carriage, to provide edges'with which the foot and shoulder portions of each latch bar may engage. A spring 105 is associated with each latch: bar to normally project its lower or acting end toward the carriage, whereby its foot and shoulder may engage therewith to prevent any but a very limited upward carriage movement, except when both latch bars are restrained otherwise from operation. As a condition precedent to the dispensing operation, it is required that both-of the latch bars be maintained in a retracted or inoperative'position, at least until the carriage is elevated to a point where the opening 10st has passed clear of the two feet 101. In order that this may be brought about, I pro vide near its'upper end of each latch bar a rearwardly extending lug 106 which extends closely adjacent to the operative coin whosetravel is arrested by one of the adjustable arms or 89. lVith a coin present in the chute in operative relation to each latch bar, any rocking movement thereof will be prevented, with'the result that the carriage will be free to execute a full movement.

With each elevation of the carriage it is desirable that a clearing of all'coins take place. I accomplish this with the aid of a rod 107 having a connection with the hinged plate 78, and with a spring 108 which exerts a'pull such that the hinged plate is normally swung outwardly. The rod 107 is downwardl extended behind the carriage to present a forwardly extending foot 109. in

engagement with the rear side of the carriage tion such as shown in Fig. 1, the two adjust-.

able arms 7 5 and 89 being also moved therewith. As a result of these movements, the coins which have been held by the two adjustable arms are now free to pass on for discharge into the coin box, the machine being thereby cleared for further use.

Operation.

While the operation of the present machine has already been described in part, I will now outline the successive movements on the several mechanisms under all the conditions normally encountered.

To operate with one penny only: The ad justable arm 75 is swung around to a position wherein its inwardly extending finger 83 will be seated within the opening 84 at the left end. In this position, the lower extremity of the arm will lie behind the upper end of the latch bar 97 to restrain its operation. An adjustment of the other arm 89 is made which will seat its finger 83 in the opening 90 which is next to the one at the left hand end. In this position, the lower end of the arm 89 will just clear the upper end of the latch bar 98 to permit operation thereof. The introduction of a coin into the chute 55 will assure the guidance of a penny into the branch chute .66 from whence it starts to roll laterally through the extension chute 70. Its travel, however, is arrested by the finger 88 which projects inwardly from the lower end of the adjustable, arm 89. A coin occupying this position lies in close proximity to the lug 106 of the latch bar 98.

With the parts so related, both latch bars will be restrained from operation with the result that the carriage may be freely moved. As the carriage is raised, the rock shaft 24 will be turned to present its article engaging pins 25 intoengagement with the merchandise on the rearside of the partition plate, the result being that a single commodity is raised with the carriage for ejection through the delivery opening 47. During this elevation of the carriage, the rod 107'swings forwardly to the position shown in Fig. 4:, whereby both adjustable arms 75 and 89 are also shifted away from the chute extensions 67 and 70, respectively, to release all coins whose travel may theretofore have been arscribe with .gle nickel into the riage.

rested. In other words, the rod 107 together with the hinged plate and parts associated therewith, operates to clear the chutes of all coins which may have been deposited in the machine prior to movement of the carriage.

To operate with two pennies: The arm 75 is adjusted as before, while the other adjustable arm 89 is moved to the position shown in full lines in Fig. '1. I The deposit of a single penny will not suflice to restrain operation otthe latch98 as this coin will pass its lug 106 betore coming to stop, but upon dethen be deflected into the overflow chute 7 3 for discharge into the coin .box. Even in any such abnormalcondition as this, the successtul operation of the present machine will be assured.

To operate with remains adjusted as before, while the other adjustable arm 89 is moved over to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. It will be evident that the latch 98 can be rendered inoperative only by the presence of a third coin, and consequently a dispensing operation with this number of coins can be effected only it adjustments be made as described. For operation with tour [or live pennies, it is obvious that the adjustable arm 89 should be moved into one or the other of the two remaining positions, respectively, so that the extension chute 70 will have capacity for the accommodation of one or two additional coins. It is not :believed necessary to defurther particularity the operation or the carriage in such circumstances.

. To operate with one nickel: The adjustable arm 7 5 is moved over into the position shownin Fig. 1, while the other adjustable threepennies The arm 7 5 arm :89 is moved to the extreme position at the left. 'Withthe parts thus related, the lower end of the arm upper end of the latch bar 98 so as to :restrain its operation. Upon depositing a sintravel through the 'branchchute 65 until stopped .by the finger on the arm 75. In this position, the nickel will be so related to the lug 106 .on .the latch bar'fl97 ,as to render this latch inoperative to obstruct the car- The succeeding movements are the same as has heretofore been described.

To operate with ,riage operation.

the branch drawings, theready described, or 89 will underlie the chute 55, the coin will i I in the container.

able arm 75 is moved into line with the right hand opening 84, while the other arm 89remain's adjusted as last described. The introduction or" two nickels into the chute will result in the second of these coins being arrested adjacent the lug 106 so as to restrainoperation of the latch bar 97.

To operate with one nickel and one penny: The arm 75 in this case is adjusted to the position shown in Fig. 1, while the other adjustable arm is moved into line with the opening 90' which is next to the left hand end. 'VVith the parts adjusted in this manner, each latch 97 and 98 is free to operate unless restrained by a coin of proper denomination. It will accordingly require the introduction of a nickel and'one penny, each coming to a stop adjacent the two lugs 106, to render the two latch bars inoperative. With the deposit of such coins, however, the carriage is free to execute its full movement. It may be here noted that should any superfluous coins be received in the branch chute 65.,nickels. for example-those in excess of the number required will be deflected into the overflow chute 72 consequent upon engaging with the operative coin whose travel is arrested'by the finger 88. In this janner all such superfluous coins passing through thebranch chute are directed into the coin box without in any wise affecting the set-up requisite for release of the carbe caused by engagement either wit-h others which are stacked behind the operative coin, as shown in the branch chute 66, or with the operative coin itself, as illustrated in ing optional. 7 Y It is thought tolbe unnecessary to elaborate upon the remaining positions which the adjustable arms 7 5' and 89 should occupy in order to render the machine operative with other coin combinations than those already-described; According to the range and capacity of the structure shown in the machine maybe adjusted for operation anywhere from one to fifteen cents. Obviously, however, this range or capacity may be increased by suitably reproportioning, extending or duplicating the parts alby the addition of other branch chutes tor the reception 0t coins whose denominations are other than n-ickels 1 General obsereations.

The present machine embodies a simple assembly of parts all of which are mounted on one side of the partition plate and away trom the article storage compartment withnecessary' to hav'eaccesste the coin mechanism compartment in order to make adchute65, either arrangement be- It is, of course, obvious that the deflection of superfluous coins may In other words. it is not I justments which affect the coin combinations requisite for operation.

of two latches, each arranged and operable independently of the other, and either en gageable with the carriage to lock the same against movement exceptwhen proper combination of coins has been deposited. The various parts of the operating mechanism are, furthermore, conveniently mounted on the partition plate in a separate compartment that is not exposed when the cover is moved for the replenishment of articles to be dispensed. The entire operating mechanism may, however, be readily withdrawn as a unit from the container in case it 1s desired to effect any replacements, repairs or adjustments.

While I have illustrated and described a machine that is adapted for operation with coins of different denominations, such as pennies and nickels, it is obvious that changes in the number or proport on of its ,parts would render the device suitable for operation with coins of other denominations. Inasmuch as such details do not require any substantial modifications in the operating principle, I have deemed it unnecessary to illustrate other constructions, but consider that the present disclosure should suffice as an exemplification of the invention in its preferred form.

I claim:

1. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of .a downwardly inclined coin chute, means adjustable therein for stopping coins at a selected place within the chute, a swinging member to which the adjustable means is connected, a latch controlled carriage movably related to the coin chute, and spring actuated means eX- tending from the swinging member to engage with the carriage when in its normal position of rest, said spring actuated means operating when the carriage is moved there from to shift the swinging member and adjustable means whereby the chute is cleared of coins, substantially as described.

2. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of a downwardly inclined coin chute, a hinged plate adjacent thereto, an arm adjustably secured to the plate and extended within the chute to arrest coins traveling therethrough, a carriage movable with respect to the chute, and means extending from the plate to engage with the carriage when the latter is in its normal position of rest, said means being spring-actuated and adapted to move the plate together with the coin arresting arm when the carriage is moved whereby the chute is cleared of coins, substantially as described.

3. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of a coin chute, a plate swingingly mounted adjacent thereto, a pivoted arm having means for connecting with t is a feature oft advantage in this invention that use is made the plate at certain selected points, the arm being provided with means which extends within the chute to arrest coins traveling therethrough, a carriage movable with respect to the chute, and means connecting the plate with the carriage adapted to release the former for movement when the carriage is operated whereby the arm is also shifted to permit clearing of the chute, substantially as described. 7

- 4.. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of a pair of coin chutes, a plate movably arranged adjacent both chutes, a pair of adjustable arms pivotally mounted to overlie the plate, and also to extend across the two chutes, means for connecting each .arm to the plate at a selected point, each arm being disposed in part within its associated chute whereby to bar the passage of coins therethrough, a carriage movably related to both chutes, and a connection from the plate to the carriage such that the former is released for. movement when the latter is operated, the plate movement operating to disengage both arms from the coins in the two chutes, substantially as'described.

5. In a machine of the kind described, the combination offa pair of coin chutes, a car riage movable relative thereto, two movable latch members associated with the carriage, each having a part projectable into the path of coins traveling through one chute, and means for restraining operation of each latch including the body of a coin receivable within each chute, said means, also comprising an adjustable device whereby the passage of coins may be arrested at a selected point within each chute, there being a connection between each arm and the carriage such that operation of the latter will shift the'former to clear both chutes, substantially as described.

6. In a machine of the kind described, the combination with a carriage of a plurality of coin chutes, a plurality of movable latches, one for each chute, associated with the carriage and each operable independently'of the others, means including the body of a coin within each chute for restraining operation of each latch, means associated with each latch for arresting passage of coins through each chute, and a single means operable by movement of the carriage for releasing con-= currently the several coin arrestingmeans whereby the chutes are cleared simultaneously, substantially as described.

7. In a machine of the kind described, the combination with a carriage,'of a plurality of coin chutes, a plurality of latches, one for each chute, associated with the carriage, means including the body of a coin within each chute for restraining operation of each latch, and other adjustable means for arrestingthe travel of coins in each chute adapted alsoin one position to interfere with operation of the associated latch, substantially as described.

8. In a machine of the kind described, the

combination with a carriage of a coin chute,

an adjustable arm having coin arresting means associated With the chute, a movable plate associated With the arm adapted to hold the same in a selected position of adjustment, a. connection from said plate to 10 to carry with it the adjustable arm to clear 15 the chute of coins, substantially as described.

EDlVARD SCHULTZ. 

